CORRUPTION AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

News Item

In every country the
Justice system exists to ensure a fair treatment of citizens and that the Rule
of law and legal system is effective. The
status of the justice system in a country is largely dependent on the quality of the
government and its commitment to the fight against corruption. For instance crimes and their commensurate
punishment are enforced by the justice system and without these measures, there can be no equity, no inclusivity,
no
fairness and no lasting social and economic development" hence a fertile
breeding ground for corruption.

The term “Corruption” is used to explain a range of illicit or illegal
activities. Although there is no universal definition as to what constitutes
corrupt behavior, the most prominent definitions share a common emphasis upon
the abuse of public power or position for personal advantage. "Justice System" on the other hand
refers to the governmental entity that is charged with enforcing the laws of
the land with integrity and veracity.

The relationship between corruption and the Justice
system is critical especially in a developing country like Sierra Leone. According
to Reginald Fynn Jr. ESQ director of
Intelligence, Investigation and Prosecution at the Anti- Corruption
Commission " the present state of
corruption and the justice system is more hypothetical and academic. Recent
judgments are indicative that the judiciary takes corruption cases seriously
and continuing to hand down firm judgment will send the correct signal that
corruption is intolerable".

Corruption in any judicial system
erodes the ability of the state and international community to tackle
transnational crime and terrorism; diminishes trade, economic growth and human development;
and, most importantly, it denies citizens impartial settlement of disputes with
neighbors or the authorities. When the latter occurs, corrupt judiciaries
fracture and divide communities by keeping alive the sense of injury created by
unjust treatment and mediation. Judicial systems debased by bribery undermine
confidence in governance by facilitating corruption across all sectors of
government, starting at the helm of power. In so doing they send a blunt message
to the people: in this country corruption is tolerated.

A good judiciary empowers citizen to speak out against corrupt practices
and corrupt officials. Increased confidence in the system and just punishment
for offenders cannot be guaranteed if the judicial system is flawed. .
A corruption free judiciary increases
the confidence level of the citizens; confidence in the judges, lawyers, court
clerks and associated with the judiciary.

Where corruption exists, the rule of law cannot flourish…Too many people
fail to understand the impact of corruption on development and on prosperity.
The victims exist in every developing and less developed country like Sierra
Leone. More often citizens find themselves
asking the question "if that which is meant to save now becomes that which kills where will
the people run to in their quest for justice, peace and development".

The relationship between corruption and the justice system is crucial to
sustainable growth in Sierra Leone which is why strengthening the rule of law and intensifying the fight
against corruption should be a major concern for the government and Sierra
Leoneans in general. It is easy for corruption to thrive in a nation where the
judiciary is blind and the government feels comfortable with things as they are.

Sierra Leone is a country blessed
with natural resources but the potential to become a middle income nation will
be almost impossible if the justice system is corrupt. Decisions
which are not in the national interest will be made and there will conflicts of
interest between judges and those controlling the system.

Conclusively therefore one
can safely say corruption and the legal system should not be cohabiting
partners. Where they are at ease with
each other criminals are often let off lightly, or not imprisoned, people are
wrongfully convicted and the sense of security is lost.

The Justice system
should give hope to citizen not cynicism, optimism not pessimism and finally
assurance not suspicion.

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